Okay, let’s be real – who *doesn’t* love a good crock pot meal? Especially when you’re craving something with a kick! And Cajun food? Forget about it! That spicy, rich flavor just gets me every time. So, what if I told you that you could have all that amazing Cajun goodness, plus the ease of a slow cooker, all in one dish?
That’s right, I’m talking about Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta! This recipe is seriously a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I remember one time, I was running late after work, and my family was *starving*. I threw everything for this into the crock pot, and BAM! Dinner was ready when we got home. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Effortless Weeknight Meal
Seriously, dump it and forget it! That’s the beauty of a crock pot, right? This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is perfect for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to slave over the stove. Trust me, I get it!
Bold Cajun Flavors
Oh man, the flavor! That Cajun seasoning just brings everything to life. It’s got that little bit of spice, but it’s also super savory and comforting. My favorite part is that it’s not just a one-note flavor – there’s so much going on!
Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Got a hungry family? Or maybe you’re having friends over? This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is always a hit! It makes a ton, and everyone always goes back for seconds. Win-win!
Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! You’ll want 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (the star of the show!), 1 tbsp of olive oil, one chopped onion, and one chopped green bell pepper. Gotta have those veggies! Then, 2 cloves of minced garlic, one 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel!), one 10.75 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of chicken broth. And of course, 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning – use your fave! Plus, 8 oz of cubed cream cheese, and 1 lb of cooked pasta. Penne works great, but really, any kind you like is perfect!
How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Okay, first things first: grab that crock pot! You’re gonna place those 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts right in the bottom. Easy peasy! Next, heat up 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet. Toss in that chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook ’em until they’re nice and softened – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Then, add those 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just another minute. Careful, you don’t want it to burn!
Now, pour that yummy vegetable mixture right over the chicken in the crock pot. We’re layering flavors here! Then, add that 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained!), the 10.75 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Give it all a little stir – just enough to kinda mix things around.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Alright, now comes the hard part… waiting! Cover that crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go with low because I think it makes the chicken super tender, but high works if you’re in a rush. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and shreds super easily with two forks.
Shredding and Finishing the Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Once that chicken’s cooked, take those two forks and shred it right there in the crock pot. It should fall apart with almost no effort! Now, stir in those 8 oz of cubed cream cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. This is what makes it so creamy and delicious! Finally, add that 1 lb of cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir it all together until everything’s nicely combined. Serve it up immediately, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some sliced green onions. Boom! Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Okay, so you wanna make *amazing* Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, right? I got you! First, taste as you go! That Cajun seasoning can vary in spice, so adjust it to your liking. If you’re worried about sticking, spray your crock pot with non-stick spray before adding anything. And PLEASE, for the love of pasta, cook your pasta separately! Mushy pasta is a crime, and we’re not committing that today!
Variations on Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta and you’re obsessed, right? But maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous? No prob! This recipe is super easy to tweak. Let’s get creative!
Spicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Wanna kick it up a notch? I hear ya! Just add a pinch (or a LOT!) of cayenne pepper to the crock pot. Or, if you’re a hot sauce fanatic like me, a few dashes of your favorite will do the trick! Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
Creamy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Craving even *more* creaminess? I’m not judging! Stir in an extra 4 oz of cream cheese. Or, for a really decadent treat, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. So rich, so good!
Vegetable-Packed Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Looking to sneak in some extra veggies? I’m all for it! Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or even some spinach wilted in at the end would be delicious. Get those greens in!
FAQ About Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got another question, just drop it in the comments!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time (or just feeling lazy, no shame!), rotisserie chicken works great. Just shred it up and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. That way, it warms through without drying out.
What kind of pasta works best for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Honestly, whatever you like! But I find that penne, rotini, or fettuccine hold up really well to the sauce. Those little ridges and spirals grab all that Cajun goodness! But hey, if you’re a spaghetti person, go for it!
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Okay, this is KEY! Seriously, the secret to non-mushy pasta is to cook it separately. I usually boil it while the chicken’s shredding and the cream cheese is melting. Then, just stir it in at the very end. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, creamy, spicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta… what do you serve with it? Well, honestly, it’s pretty awesome on its own! But if you wanna round out the meal, a simple side salad is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent (and who isn’t, sometimes?), some garlic bread for soaking up all that sauce? Yes, please!
Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary a LOT depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. So, don’t take this as gospel, but it’s a general idea!
Enjoy Your Delicious Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you LOVE this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta as much as my family does! If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, share a pic on social media – I wanna see your creations!
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Devastatingly Good Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta made in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 lb pasta, cooked
- Optional: Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour vegetables over chicken in the crock pot.
- Add diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
- Shred chicken with two forks.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
